Before the Bell Rings

We've all been there. The raised voice. The quick reaction. The immediate regret. In this episode, we explore what happens when adults become overwhelmed and, more importantly, how to repair the relationship afterward. Learn why apologizing doesn't weaken your authority, how repair builds trust, and the five simple steps that help children learn accountability by watching us model it first.

Ever wonder why a child can go from completely calm to completely overwhelmed over something that seems so small? It may not be about the last thing that happened but it may be about everything that came before it. In this episode, we unpack the “stress bucket,” explore what happens in the brain as stress builds, and look at what parents and educators can do before the bucket overflows. Because so...

What if the most powerful behavior strategy isn't changing the child, but regulating ourselves first? Join us as we unpack the connection between adult and child nervous systems, explore how our reactions shape moments of conflict, and share simple ways to reset when we're feeling overwhelmed. Because the most regulated person in the room has the power to create safety for everyone else.

You can see it on their face. Their behavior has changed. They’re quieter than usual, frustrated, withdrawn or just not themselves. So you ask, “Are you okay?” And they say, “Yeah.” Conversation over. But what if “Are you okay?” is actually making it harder for kids to tell us what’s really going on? In this episode, we’ll unpack why that simple yes-or-no question may not give students the opening...

What if you didn’t need a big intervention to change a student’s day—or your relationship with them? Sometimes, it only takes five intentional minutes. In this episode, we’re talking about the power of being fully present with students: putting away the distractions, asking better questions, listening without immediately trying to fix, and noticing the things they’re doing right. Because before we...

Before You Correct, Connect. Ever notice that the more you correct a student, the more defensive they become? When the brain senses a threat, logic can take a backseat. In this episode, discover simple ways to move students out of “threat mode” and back into learning, using connection, validation, choice, and a little more “we” and a little less “you’re doing it wrong.”

As the school year winds down, we reflect on the importance of slowing down, recharging, and embracing social-emotional wellness during the summer months. We share practical ways educators can reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, rest, hobbies, meaningful relationships, local adventures, and guilt-free downtime. From journaling and quiet moments to professional growth opportunities and r...

From Roblox videos to “self-improvement” gurus, today’s kids are growing up in a nonstop stream of influence. This episode explores how algorithms, influencers, and parasocial relationships shape the way young people think about masculinity, beauty, success, and self-worth. We unpack the hidden messages behind the content kids consume, the pressure to monetize attention, and how parents and teache...

What’s really happening in the brain when stress and anxiety take over? In this episode, we break it down in a way that actually makes sense and is immediately useful. You’ll explore how the brain responds to big emotions, why “name it to tame it” works, and what’s going on beneath the surface when students feel overwhelmed. Plus, we share practical, classroom-ready strategies to help students bui...

Have you ever asked your child how their day was and got the response "fine?" That "fine" may not give you a lot of information but the body language and tone will! In this week's episode, we dive into how ideas for how to support families at home and how to stay connected to your kids. It takes a village!

With social media and technology being more prevalent in our society, teaching kids how to appropriately use these mediums is vital. If you are wondering how to even begin those conversations, we provide some ideas about what ages to have the conversations as well as how to address it.

Have you hit a slump with your teaching and need some new ideas? This episode gives several easy ways to add SEL activities into your instruction. These activities take little to no prep time.

Think of students in your classroom. Do you have the students that are eager to learn and doing all the right things? Do you have any students that tend to shut down, overreact to situations that are not a big deal? In this episode, we give you ways to work with students that may have experienced trauma.

Students are entering our school buildings with stressors that effect how they handle conflict and emotions. We explain what trauma is and how students display this in the classroom. We discuss how to identify the trauma and what supports students need.

Is SEL just a fad? What program do I need to teach SEL skills? These are just a few of the commonly asked questions about SEL. Listen to hear answers and more!

What do you do when you are feeling out of sorts or anxious? How do students cope with that same feeling? This episode gives some ideas of how to ground yourself and model for others those skills.

Self care is not just important for taking care of yourself, but also showing your students and family what needs to be prioritize. If basic needs are not being met, then how can anyone be productive? This episode goes into some easy things to add into your daily routine to improve your mindset.

What happens in the brain when students experience emotional dysregulation, and why do reasoning and self-control seem to disappear in the moment? In this episode, we break down the neuroscience behind stress responses and share simple, practical strategies educators can use to help students co-regulate, reset, and build lasting self-regulation skills.

This episode focuses on practical ideas for how to build a school wide community as well as strengthen a classroom community.

Say hello to Shayla and Amy, 2 SEL coaches that want to help and support educators.